Public Liability Lawyers Sydney

Report the incident immediately to the owner, occupier, or manager of the premises, and request that they complete an incident report. Take photographs of the hazard and your injuries. Collect the names and contact details of any witnesses. Seek medical treatment promptly, even if your injuries seem minor — medical records are essential evidence. Do not sign anything or accept any offer from the responsible party without first speaking to a public liability lawyer.

To succeed in a public liability claim in NSW under the Civil Liability Act 2002, you must establish: (1) the defendant owed you a duty of care; (2) the defendant breached that duty by failing to take reasonable precautions against a foreseeable risk of harm; (3) that breach caused your injury; and (4) you suffered loss or damage as a result. Our public liability lawyers can assess whether your circumstances meet this test and advise you on the strength of your claim.

If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for: past and future medical and rehabilitation expenses; past and future loss of income and earning capacity; pain and suffering (non-economic loss) — available where your injuries result in at least 15% whole person impairment; care and assistance provided by family members; and out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred as a result of the injury. The value of your claim will depend on the nature and severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.

Under the Limitation Act 1969 (NSW), most public liability claims must be commenced within three years from the date of the injury. However, some exceptions apply — for example, different limitation periods may apply to claims against local councils or government bodies, and claims on behalf of children have different time limits. If you are unsure whether you are within time, contact Gajic Lawyers immediately — we can advise whether your claim can still proceed.

Yes — councils have a duty to maintain public footpaths, parks, and roads in a reasonably safe condition. However, the Civil Liability Act 2002 provides councils with some protection, requiring you to show the council had actual knowledge of the specific defect (not just general knowledge of deterioration). This makes council claims more technically challenging than standard public liability claims, and expert legal advice is strongly recommended. Our team has experience with council public liability claims across NSW.

You can make a public liability claim for any injury caused by another party’s negligence — however, compensation for non-economic loss (pain and suffering) in NSW is only available where your injuries result in at least 15% whole person impairment. For less serious injuries, you may still be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and economic loss. Our lawyers offer a free initial consultation to help you understand whether your claim is worthwhile pursuing.

Yes. Gajic Lawyers handles Sydney public liability claims on a strict No Win, No Fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and nothing unless we successfully resolve your claim. We also offer a free initial consultation so you can understand your options before making any decisions. Call 1800 318 002 or start your online claim check at gajic.com.au.